If you have soot or creosote build-up in your fireplace or a bird’s nest in your chimney, be sure to have it professionally cleaned by a chimney sweep before building another fire. However, if you have cracked or deteriorated brick or mortar, you may need Brick Doctor’s services.

We are masonry repair experts, and can inspect your fireplace and chimney for problems related to cracks or deterioration, lightning damage, water leaks, or smoking problems. For fireplace repairs, you have found the experts—Brick Doctor craftsmen restore both beauty and function to masonry fireplaces across the metroplex.

Please be aware that our free initial inspection may not include a complete analysis of potential problems, particularly if your chimney is tall (two-story) and/or the roof is a steep pitch, nor does it ever include leak-testing.

The water stains in this brick fireplace firebox testify to a water penetration problem at the chimney level.

Firebox Problems

The most common problems we see within the firebox are cracked and deteriorated brick or mortar (usually in the back wall), water infiltration, and improper dimensions of the firebox (often causing smoking into the room).

Cracks. Cracks in the walls of a firebox or interior chimney lining are considered a fire hazard by the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association). Smoke carries waste particles from a fire and eventually causes deposits to form on the walls, and inside and behind any cracks. This oily substance, called creosote, can re-ignite from sparks rising in the chimney. Therefore, it’s important to keep these walls free of creosote build-up and to promptly repair any cracks.

Cracked mortar may be repaired by carefully chiseling out cracked areas and tuck pointing with portland cement or fireclay, but should never be surface-coated or smeared, as it will not bond with the dirty, smoky surface. If any brick are broken (typically a back wall will last 15-25 years in North Texas, depending on usage), it is usually advisable to rebuild the affected wall with new firebrick and fireclay.

This poorly repaired chimney will not prevent water from leaking into the chimney through the exposed, deteriorated mortar joints.

Water Infiltration. Water entering a chimney can cause several problems, and should be prevented with a quality chimney cap (see below) and crown. Water entering the flue mixes with creosote and is acidic, often causing premature rusting of the damper, and also contributing to deterioration of the brick and mortar. Water may also enter through any cracks in the chimney crown, the chimney shell itself, or through faulty flashing where the chimney meets the roof. Any such leaks can be quite frustrating to diagnose, and can also cause water damage to ceiling and flooring materials adjacent to the interior fireplace.

Improper Dimensions. The proper building of a full masonry fireplace is sadly becoming a dying art—especially in the southern states, where fireplaces are used less and prefabricated metal fireboxes are taking their place. Very few residential masonry contractors are qualified to build a safe and efficient fireplace from the ground up these days, and many that were built in the Dallas-Fort Worth area since the 1970s have significant problems. Two common design flaws include chimneys that are too short to prevent downdrafts, and areas between the lintel and throat that are not tall enough to allow smoke to “roll” before entering the smoke shelf. Both of these can cause a fireplace to draw poorly—letting smoke into your living area.

Water may also enter through deteriorated brick or pour directly into the firebox through an uncovered flue pipe, as shown here.

Chimney Problems

Besides lightning damage, which surprisingly occurs quite often, chimneys are also susceptible to other common deterioration problems. Partially because of their exposure to the harsh weather elements, repairs to chimneys are among the most common needs when it comes to brick repairs.

Deterioration. Both brick and mortar can be subject to deteriorate over time. While most bricks are hard-fired and should last well over 100 years, many adobe or antique blends are softer and more porous, and may last only 50 years or less. “Spalling” occurs through freeze-thaw cycles, when rain soaks into the brick, then freezes and expands, separating thin layers of the brick from the face. These layers may eventually begin to fall off and be found at the base of the chimney or other exposed walls. Mortar joints can also deteriorate or develop voids prematurely, depending on the type used and the methods employed during original construction.

Cracked Crowns. Simply as a matter of convenience, chimneys are most commonly finished off with a crown built with mortar, although this practice is clearly substandard.

As illustrated here, a cracked or loose crown can lead to loose brick and deterioration of the brick and mortar joints below.

Mortar crowns shrink, crack, and deteriorate prematurely, allowing water to enter the top of the chimney. This then may cause brick to pop loose or deteriorate, and contribute to problems with other chimney components and adjoining construction materials.

Chimney crowns should be poured with portland cement or concrete, rather than mortar, or be completely covered with a custom chimney cap.

Counter flashing (installed by masons) overlaps primary flashing, which is installed by roofers.

Flashing. Two types of flashing are typically installed to prevent rainwater from entering between the roof and chimney. Primary flashing is installed by roofers and is placed under the shingles. Counter flashing overlaps primary flashing, is cut into the brickwork, and is usually installed by masons. Even a minor breach in this flashing can cause a significant leak, as water pours into this crevasse during rainfall.

Chimney Caps. Every chimney needs a cap with a spark arrestor. Without a cap, water is pouring into your fireplace through this huge opening every time it rains, potentially causing damage to several components of the fireplace and/or surrounding materials (see “Water Infiltration” above). There are many reasons why your chimney needs a cap:

To keep water from entering the flue and/or chimney shell.

To keep birds, squirrels, and other animals out.

To keep other debris out (such as leaves or nesting material) which could cause blockages.

To help prevent fireplace odors caused by dampness and/or animals.

To block sparks and any burning airborne debris from exiting the chimney.

To help prevent or limit downdrafts in windy conditions.

Covering the Flue of a Brick Chimney is essential. It can be a custom cover like this or a simple chimney cap over the flue itself.

A basic chimney cap that clamps onto the protruding flue liner can be purchased from a hardware store (in season) and installed by the average do-it-yourselfer. Custom caps made of galvanized sheet metal, stainless steel, or copper can be quite expensive, but are designed to protect the entire top of the chimney. Brick Doctor’s custom caps fit like a glove because there are nine measurements made for each one…and they’re securely installed with masonry anchors drilled into the chimney. These handsome caps provide the ultimate protection for both the crown and the flue.

Please let us know if we can perform a fireplace inspection for you, or help you with any of these services. Contact Us